NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) reached a tentative labor agreement, Governor Phil Murphy announced Sunday, ending a three-day work stoppage that had suspended rail service statewide.
The agreement clears the way for train operations to resume on Tuesday, May 20. NJ Transit officials say the 24-hour delay is necessary to inspect tracks, reposition equipment, and prepare the system for full service. On Monday, contingency bus services will remain in place from four designated Park & Ride locations for essential travel.
“I am pleased to announce that we have reached a fair and fiscally responsible contract settlement that provides a generous wage increase for BLET members while saving taxpayers and customers the burden of fare increases,” Governor Murphy said in a joint statement with NJ Transit leadership.
The details of the agreement have not been released, pending ratification by BLET members and final approval from the NJ Transit Board of Directors. The deal was struck after continued negotiations between union leadership and transit officials.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri acknowledged the disruption caused by the strike, stating, “I want to thank our customers for their understanding and apologize for any inconvenience during this time.”
Contingency service remains active through Monday
To support commuters before full rail service resumes, NJ Transit will continue operating temporary weekday-only bus routes from four Park & Ride locations on Monday, May 19. These locations include Secaucus Junction, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, Hamilton Rail Station, and Woodbridge Center Mall.
Each Park & Ride location offers inbound morning service to New York or PATH stations and outbound evening return service. Fares are discounted from regular rail prices, and rail passes will be honored on these routes, though not on services like Amtrak or PATH.
No midday, weekend, or reverse commute services will be available on these Park & Ride routes, and customers are encouraged to work from home where possible until full rail operations resume.
Officials stressed that rail cars, bridges, and infrastructure must undergo safety inspections and reactivation processes before service resumes. “We have seen just how critical our rail system is to our larger transportation network,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chairman Fran O’Connor.
Riders advised to check NJ Transit site for updates
NJ Transit is directing riders to its website, njtransit.com/restart, for the latest information on service restoration and alternative transportation. Real-time alerts and updates will also be issued through the NJ Transit mobile app, social media accounts, and customer service hotline.
Rail tickets and passes with a New York, Newark, or Hoboken destination will be accepted on all Park & Ride routes, as well as on NJ Transit buses and light rail. Tickets will not be honored on Amtrak, PATH, or private carriers.
Governor Murphy, NJ Transit leadership, and union officials emphasized that the tentative agreement marks a collaborative effort to avoid further disruptions while ensuring fair compensation for workers and financial responsibility for riders and taxpayers.
